Abstract
BackgroundAdherence to medication is vital for disease management while simultaneously reducing healthcare expenditure. Older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) are at risk for non-adherence as cognitive processes are needed to manage medications. This systematic review focuses on the relationship between medication non-adherence and specific cognitive domains in persons with CI, and explores determinants of medication non-adherence. When available, relationships and factors are compared with cognitively intact populations.MethodsA seven database systematic search of studies published between 1 January 1949–31 December 2015 examining medication non-adherence in community dwelling persons with CI or dementia was conducted. Articles reporting medication non-adherence in people with CI or dementia in the community, with or without caregiver supports were eligible for inclusion. Papers reporting adherence to treatments in cognitively intact populations, populations from hospital or institutional settings, for non-prescribed medication or those describing dementia as a factor predicting medication non-adherence were excluded. Data on study and population characteristics, research design, data sources and analysis, specific cognitive domains, non-adherence prevalence, measurement of adherence, salient findings, factors associated with adherence and strategies to improve medication adherence were extracted. Study limitations included inconsistencies between data sources and definitions, resulting in a loss of fidelity in the value and comprehensiveness of data, as well as exclusion of non-pharmacological treatments and regimens.FindingsFifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Adherence among CI subjects ranged from 10.7%-38% with better rates of adherence in non-CI individuals. Medication non-adherence definitions varied considerably. New-learning, memory and executive functioning were associated with improved adherence and formed the focus of most studies. Multiple factors were identified as modulators of non-adherence.ConclusionThis review highlights a gap in knowledge on how specific cognitive domains contribute to medication non-adherence amongst CI populations, and demonstrates the current focus is limited to two domains: memory and executive functioning.
Highlights
In 2008, chronic diseases accounted for 63% of global deaths [1]
This review highlights a gap in knowledge on how specific cognitive domains contribute to medication non-adherence amongst cognitive impairment (CI) populations, and demonstrates the current focus is limited to two domains: memory and executive functioning
There is a paucity of research literature investigating the impact of dementia on the ability of patient’s adhering to complex medication regimens [9]
Summary
In 2008, chronic diseases accounted for 63% of global deaths [1]. As of 2013, there are approximately 117 million individuals in the USA with one or more chronic diseases, placing a significant burden on health care costs [2]. Self-management provides the patient with more control and responsibility to achieve effective disease management while simultaneously reducing healthcare expenditure [3]. Effective management of chronic comorbid conditions often involves complex medication regimens, requiring different tablet combinations and multiple daily dosing [4]. There is a high rate of non-adherence to medication regimens, in patients with chronic conditions [5]. Older people are at risk of non-adherence due to a normal decline in dexterity, mobility, hearing and vision; impaired cognitive function may exacerbate these effects [7, 8]. Adherence to medication is vital for disease management while simultaneously reducing healthcare expenditure. Older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) are at risk for nonadherence as cognitive processes are needed to manage medications. Relationships and factors are compared with cognitively intact populations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
